FFS Venture Crew 174 Spends Weekend Camping, Hiking in Pennsylvania
By Jeremy S.
Venture Crew 174 journeyed deep into the wilderness of Pike County, PA to Promise Land State Park for a weekend they will not soon forget.
The sun was rapidly descending as the crew arrived. The Venturers moved quickly to set up their tents and build a fire. Though some had little prior experience, others had spent months in the wild at wilderness treatment programs, and were old hands at camping. They worked as a team, and quickly established a campsite. They cooked their own dinner over the fire and chopped wood for the morning, then nestled into their sleeping bags to rest for the long weekend ahead.
The next morning brought the beginning of true adventure. The Venturers hiked for miles on and off the trails marked in the State Park. They stopped along the way occasionally to take in the scenery, dip their hands and feet in streams, climb trees, snack on trail mix, and sight wildlife.
They eventually stopped looking at maps and made their own way. “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re never lost,” said staff member and hike leader Scott MacDonald. It rained on and off, but spirits were not dampened by the inclement weather.
On the last day of the trip, the crew held a campfire 12-Step fellowship meeting before returning to the school. The weekend was enjoyed by all. “It was a good opportunity to get closer with the people on Venturing Crew and be at one with nature,” remarked Laura W.
Now that the seasons are changing, outdoor camping is a less exciting prospect for The Family School Venturers. As graduation approaches, however, elections will be held in the upcoming weeks to replace the officers who are to leave the school and plan the crew’s next expeditions.
